If you’re into melodic house and techno, chances are you’ve come across Cristoph—a DJ and producer known for crafting deep, emotional soundscapes that take listeners on a journey. We caught up with him on Groove Cruise, where he had quite the adventure just getting on board.

A Rocky Start, But a Smooth Set

For Cristoph, the journey to Groove Cruise was anything but smooth sailing. “I’ve got the worst luck with travel,” he admitted. His flight was delayed, the weather wreaked havoc at Miami airport, and after circling in a holding pattern, he was stuck in an airplane traffic jam on the tarmac. “I was supposed to be at the artist meetup at 2 PM, and at 2 PM, I was still sitting on the plane,” he laughed.

Despite the chaos, he made it just in time for his set at the Opera Theater—literally running in, throwing his bag down, and grabbing his USBs before heading straight to the decks. “I was sweating underneath the t-shirt, trust me,” he joked. But you wouldn’t have known it—he absolutely crushed it, setting the tone for what would be an unforgettable few days at sea.

First Time on Groove Cruise: An Adult Playground

Hailing from the north of the UK, Cristoph admitted he had no idea what to expect from Groove Cruise. “This is uncharted territory for me,” he said. “Five or six thousand people, bubble guns, people running around in crazy outfits—it’s like stepping into an adult playground.”

Luckily, he had friends on board who had given him a heads-up on what was to come.

“They pre-warned me, so I was somewhat prepared,” he laughed. “But it’s an honor to be here. The lineup is stacked, and the energy is just unreal.”

If Cristoph Were Captain…

If Cristoph could sail Groove Cruise anywhere in the world, where would he take it? “Bora Bora,” he said without hesitation. “I love those relaxing, picturesque islands. I don’t get to explore much while touring, so maybe I need to start making time for that.”

And if he were stranded on a deserted island? His three must-haves: a book about superstar DJs, a photo of loved ones, and a football (soccer ball). “Gotta have something to kick around when boredom hits,” he shrugged.

The Art of Storytelling Through Music

One thing fans love about Cristoph is his ability to tell a story through his music. Every track, EP, and set he plays is deeply personal, inspired by real-life emotions and experiences. “I always tell people—write from the heart,” he said. “Whether it’s a happy moment, a tough time, or just a random inspiration from a train ride, that emotion comes through in the music.”

From the very start of his career, he’s named tracks after family members and close friends. His latest EP even reflected feelings he’s had throughout his journey in the music industry. “I think when there’s a story behind the music, people connect with it more,” he explained. “It makes them want to dive deeper, not just hear the track but understand the emotion behind it.”

Why Open-to-Close Sets Are So Special

Cristoph has built a reputation for his legendary open-to-close sets, where he takes fans on a journey from start to finish. His recent New York show was particularly special. “Each one of these shows means the world to me,” he said. “People aren’t just coming for a quick set—they’re there for the full experience. That’s a different level of connection.”

For Cristoph, these sets are about pure, undistracted musical storytelling.

“No crazy visuals, no over-the-top production—just music,” he said. “I love a dark warehouse with simple lights and a crowd that’s there for the journey.”

It’s a different vibe from massive festivals, but he sees the value in both. “Big festivals introduce you to new fans, but open-to-close sets let you showcase every side of your artistry,” he explained. “That’s where I feel most at home.”

What Collaboration Means to Cristoph

Collaboration in music is an art of balance—blending creative visions while staying true to your own. For Cristoph, it’s all about keeping an open mind. “I love seeing how other people work. Everyone has their own approach, their own quirks,” they say. “I’ve had producers ask me, ‘What DAW should I use?’ And honestly, it doesn’t matter. Use what feels right. It’s about the music, not the software.”

Pushing boundaries is at the core of their creative process. Whether it’s experimenting with tougher drum patterns or stepping into completely different genres, they keep their creativity flowing by constantly exploring. “Sometimes, I’ll write something way outside my usual sound—maybe a pop or hip-hop track—just to reset my brain. You never know what tricks you’ll pick up that can feed back into your main style.”

Of course, not every studio session is gold. “[Laughs] Oh, I’ve definitely woken up, hit play, and thought, ‘What was I hearing last night?!’ It happens to everyone. Some days, you create magic. Other days, it’s just… bad.” But the key, they say, is persistence. “The more you create, the better you get. You can’t be in the zone 24/7, but you have to keep showing up.”

When it comes to collaborations, they’re not about forcing things. “I won’t list names, because you know how it goes—people see a wishlist and assume it’s happening. But yeah, there are definitely artists I’d love to work with. If it happens, great. If not, I’m happy with the people I’m creating with now.”

For up-and-coming producers, their advice is simple: don’t chase trends.

“I’ve seen sounds blow up and fade out in under a year. If you’re just jumping on the latest wave, you’ll always be playing catch-up. Do what feels real to you. If you’re not into the music you’re making, it’s going to show when you’re performing it.”

Consequence of Society Recordings and Giving Back to the Community

As head of the Consequence of Society Recordings, they’re passionate about giving lesser-known artists a platform. “Not everyone gets that big break right away. I was lucky my music landed in the right hands, and I want to do the same for others. If I hear something special, I want to help get it out there.”

So, what defines success for them? It’s not awards or chart positions—it’s about making their loved ones proud. “If my family and friends can look at what I’ve built and say, ‘Yeah, he worked his ass off for this,’ that’s success to me.”

And if you’re wondering how their inner circle would describe them? “Cheeky, for sure,” they laugh. “Hopefully also caring and loyal.”

For fans who’ve been on this journey with them, their message is simple: “Thank you. I wouldn’t be here without you.”

Final Thoughts

After a whirlwind start, Cristoph is fully embracing his first Groove Cruise experience. “It’s wild, it’s fun, and I can already tell it’s going to be unforgettable,” he said.

And as for the next four days? “No nerves, just excitement. Let’s see what this boat has in store.”

One thing’s for sure—whatever happens, Cristoph’s music will be telling the story.

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